- Written by Peter Hoskins
- business reporter
Shenron in the center of the park includes a roller coaster
Saudi Arabia has announced that it will build a theme park based on the famous Japanese anime series Dragon Ball, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
The company behind the project says it will feature a 70-meter (229.6-foot) dragon at its center and at least 30 vehicles.
The park will be the world’s first attraction based on a popular media franchise.
The announcement also drew criticism from fans, citing Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
According to Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), which is wholly owned by the Saudi government’s investment fund, the park will cover an area of more than 500,000 square meters.
The plan is part of a “long-term strategic partnership” between QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese production company behind Dragon Ball.
According to the official Dragon Ball website, the park will feature a roller coaster inside a dragon modeled after Shenron, the wish-granting dragon from the series.
Qiddiya is a large-scale entertainment and tourism project under construction near Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
This is part of the energy-rich country’s plan to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels.
While some Dragon Ball fans have welcomed the theme park’s plans, others on social media are questioning the decision to locate the attraction in Saudi Arabia.
The country has been criticized for its human rights history and lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.
The area of the Dragon Ball theme park is expected to be over 500,000 square meters.
This announcement comes just weeks after the death of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama.
Toriyama passed away on March 1st at the age of 68. According to a statement on the Dragon Ball website, his funeral was attended only by his family and a small number of friends.
The Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984. The film follows the adventures of a young boy named Son Goku who collects magical Dragon Balls that can give him superpowers.
It is one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese manga of all time.
